Getting into an IVF program isn't as simple as just signing up. There are requirements, cutoffs, and lots of questions—it's enough to make anyone feel a bit lost. If you're thinking about IVF, the first thing you need to know is that every clinic and country sets its own benchmarks. Most look at age, medical history, and the basics of how long you've been trying for a baby.
Here's the blunt truth: Clinics often use age as the first gatekeeper. For women, fertility drops steadily after 35, and a lot of programs won't accept first-time IVF patients over the age of 42, sometimes 45 with egg donation. Men, too, get checked, but the rules aren't as strict. Meanwhile, clinics are checking for hormonal levels, healthy ovaries, sperm quality, and whether there are other health issues that might get in the way.
Don't lose hope if you run into obstacles. There are workarounds, second opinions, and new tests that pop up every year. The key is knowing what matters—and what you can still change. I'll break down what to expect, how to get ready, and how to make sure your doctors listen to you, not just their rulebook.
- Who Can Qualify for IVF?
- Tests and Evaluations Before Starting IVF
- Medical and Lifestyle Factors that Affect IVF Eligibility
- How to Prepare and Improve Your Chances
Who Can Qualify for IVF?
Not everyone automatically qualifies for IVF. Clinics have a checklist, and you need to meet certain criteria before they get started. The main reason for these rules? IVF is tough, expensive, and comes with no guarantees, so clinics want to make sure it’s worth it for you.
Most clinics want to see:
- You’ve been trying to get pregnant for at least a year (if you’re under 35), or 6 months (if you’re 35 or older).
- Proof of infertility, like blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, ovulation issues, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility.
- That you’re in good general health—no uncontrolled long-term illnesses like diabetes or untreated thyroid conditions.
- That your uterus is healthy enough to carry a pregnancy (if using your own uterus).
- Your BMI isn’t in the high-risk zone (most clinics set a limit between 30 and 35).
- You’re under a specific age limit—usually under 42 for women using their own eggs. With donor eggs, this can be stretched up to 50 in some places.
Here’s a quick look at the typical numbers you might see:
| Criteria | Common Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age limit (own eggs) | Under 42 |
| Trying for pregnancy | 12 months (<35 yrs) 6 months (≥35 yrs) |
| BMI restriction | Below 30–35 |
| Main medical reasons | Infertility, blocked tubes, male factor, endometriosis, unexplained |
Insurance can also be a curveball. In some countries, public health insurance covers a few rounds, but only if you fit their tight rules for IVF qualifications. In the US, it’s patchy—some states mandate coverage, others don’t. Private clinics set their own rules, but more flexibility often means higher costs.
One other thing—most clinics will look at your whole health picture, not just your reproductive status. If you smoke, or you have recent cancer history, it could slow things down or put you in a high-risk category. And if you’re single or in a same-sex couple, some clinics are now more open than ever, though rules change depending on where you live.
Bottom line: the qualifying list isn’t about being perfect—it’s about safety, giving you the best shot, and making sure the odds are fair. You might be surprised by how many options there really are once you ask and dig a little.
Tests and Evaluations Before Starting IVF
If you’re wondering what hoops you’ll jump through before starting IVF, get ready for a series of checks and tests. Clinics want to make sure your body is up for the process and that you're likely to benefit from it. Here’s what usually happens when you’re getting tested to see if you qualify.
The first round is all about figuring out why pregnancy hasn’t happened yet. Most clinics order these standard tests:
- Hormone tests: Blood tests for hormones like FSH, LH, AMH, and estradiol, usually done early in your cycle. Your AMH tells the doctors how many eggs you might have left—big deal for IVF.
- Ultrasound scan: A pelvic ultrasound checks your ovaries and uterus for things like cysts or fibroids.
- Ovarian reserve assessment: Besides AMH, an Antral Follicle Count (AFC) by ultrasound estimates your number of developing eggs.
- Thyroid function: Even small thyroid problems can mess with fertility, so they check this too.
- Semen analysis: Sperm count, movement, and shape all get scored. A major sperm issue can change the IVF plan.
- Infectious disease screening: Both partners usually get screened for HIV, hepatitis, and some other infections before moving forward. Clinics won’t budge on this one.
- Genetic carrier screening: Not always required, but many clinics suggest it if you have a family history of genetic disease.
Once the basics are done, doctors might dig deeper, especially if you have an unusual medical background or past miscarriages. This might mean hysteroscopy (a look inside the uterus with a camera), or more blood tests for clotting and immune problems.
An important part of IVF qualifications is looking at the numbers. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for what doctors usually want to see:
| Test | Typical Cut-off/Range |
|---|---|
| AMH (ng/mL) | 1 to 4 is good; below 1 can be a warning sign |
| FSH (IU/L, cycle day 3) | Less than 10 is preferred |
| Semen Count | At least 15 million per mL |
| Estradiol (pg/mL, cycle day 3) | Below 80 is ideal |
| Thyroid TSH (mIU/L) | 0.5–2.5 is best |
The big takeaway? The more information you have, the better conversations you can have with your doctor. If anything shows up out of range, don’t panic—labs aren’t the final word. Some people need a few extra tests or a second opinion before getting the green light for IVF.
Medical and Lifestyle Factors that Affect IVF Eligibility
Even if you hit all the right marks on age and basic health, there’s a good chance your clinic will take a closer look at your lifestyle and medical background before letting you start IVF qualifications. This isn’t about judging, it’s about boosting your chances and preventing big risks during treatment.
First up, doctors will check if you have any ongoing health problems that could affect pregnancy. Diabetes and high blood pressure aren’t deal-breakers, but they do need to be under control. If you have thyroid issues or autoimmune disorders like lupus, clinics might want extra specialist input before they move forward. Some clinics pause or refuse treatment for patients who have uncontrolled mental health conditions or a history of substance abuse, since those can impact safety and outcomes.
For women, weight comes up a lot during IVF screening. Most programs have a BMI cutoff—usually somewhere between 19 and 35. That’s not just a random number: studies link higher BMI with more failed cycles and more complications. Low BMI can hurt egg quality and hormone levels, too. Smoking, for both partners, is another big red flag. Tobacco use lowers success rates and can even damage eggs and sperm before treatment starts. Same goes for heavy drinking or regular marijuana use—most doctors suggest quitting months before walking into the clinic.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most common factors and their impact on IVF:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| BMI out of range | Reduces success rates, raises risk of problems during pregnancy |
| Smoking | Lowers egg and sperm quality, tanks success rates by up to 40% |
| Uncontrolled diabetes/high blood pressure | Raises risk of miscarriage and health issues during pregnancy |
| Alcohol use | Heavy drinking is linked with lower pregnancy rates, even moderate can be risky |
| Older age (over 42) | Lower chance of success, higher odds of chromosomal problems |
| Certain infections (like HIV, hepatitis) | May need extra testing and treatment, but many clinics can still help |
On top of all that, doctors pay a lot of attention to your ovarian reserve—basically, how many good eggs you’ve got left. They’ll use blood tests and ultrasound to check, since this is a critical predictor of how well IVF will work.
If you’re worried your lifestyle or history might block you, ask your clinic upfront what changes could help. Quitting smoking, getting to a healthier weight, or getting a chronic condition under control are often huge steps. The earlier you start on these goals, the better your shot at qualifying—and the better your odds once you actually get to do IVF.
How to Prepare and Improve Your Chances
Trying to qualify for IVF can feel like prepping for a big exam, but the right steps actually boost your odds. One thing almost every doctor checks is your overall health, so cleaning up your lifestyle is step one. Studies show women, and actually men too, who cut out smoking and drop alcohol see better results with IVF workups. If you’re dealing with a lot of stress (and who isn’t?), simple changes like daily walks or getting enough sleep can help regulate hormones.
Weight matters more than most people realize for fertility. If your BMI is much below or above the healthy range (about 19-30 for most clinics), doctors might pause your application. That’s because extreme weight can mess with hormones and lower IVF success. Even losing just 5% of your body weight if you’re overweight can lead to better egg quality and boost your odds of clinic approval.
Your medical records will be under the microscope too. If you already have reports on your hormone levels (like AMH, FSH, or thyroid tests), get them organized and bring them along. This saves time and sometimes cuts costs. If you’ve had surgery, health problems, or genetic testing before, dig up those reports as well. Clinics love paperwork and strong documentation can push the decision in your favor.
Getting up to date with vaccinations is important, especially rubella and hepatitis B. Some clinics turn away couples who aren’t covered, because infections can mess with pregnancy outcomes. If your doctor suggests supplements—think folic acid, vitamin D, or iron—don’t skip them. These basics really do lay the groundwork for your body's baby-making abilities.
Building a relationship with your IVF clinic actually helps. People who ask questions and show they’re willing to follow instructions tend to get faster, clearer responses. Speak up if you have concerns, and don’t be afraid to ask why a certain result matters. If your clinic feels cold or rushed, it’s totally fair to look around—some places actually offer counseling or group info sessions that make the process friendlier.
If you’re over the age range or have unusual medical issues, ask about alternative programs. Some clinics will consider donor eggs or sperm, or refer you to “shared cycle” programs and special trials. If you get a ‘no’ from one place, another center might say yes, especially if you’ve worked on factors you can control.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Aim for a healthy BMI—usually 19-30
- Organize all your medical records
- Get the recommended vaccinations
- Take the supplements suggested by your doctor
- Be engaged—ask questions and communicate with your care team
Getting ready for IVF comes down to what you can do right now, not just what’s out of your hands. Even small changes can sometimes tip the scales your way with clinic approvals.